Greece and Israel have signed a 3-billion-euro ($3.5-billion) deal for a multilayered air defense network designed to counter ballistic missiles, aircraft, and drones.
The agreement is the largest defense export deal in the history of Israel-Greece relations and one of Israel’s largest defense deals overall. Israel will build the system around several of its air defense technologies, backed by a new national command-and-control network.
Known in Greece as Achilles Shield, the system will include Rafael’s David’s Sling and SPYDER, Israel Aerospace Industries’ (IAI) BARAK MX, and IAI’s ELTA Systems MMR multi-mission radars. A Rafael-developed command-and-control system will connect the different layers into a single national air defense architecture.
David’s Sling is designed to intercept heavy rockets and ballistic missiles, while SPYDER provides protection against shorter-range aerial threats, including drones. BARAK MX is designed to counter a range of aircraft and missiles.
Greece will also receive Rafael’s Drone Dome systems under a separate 26-million-euro ($30-million) agreement to protect strategic sites against drones.
“At a time when actors with hegemonic ambitions are seeking to expand their influence and undermine stability in the region, Israel and Greece will continue to deepen their defense and strategic cooperation, and will act with determination to preserve stability and safeguard their security and shared interests,” Defense Minister Israel Katz said.
Greece Builds Up Air Defenses
Greece’s military buildup is closely tied to its long-running rivalry with Turkey, particularly disputes over maritime boundaries, airspace, and energy resources in the eastern Mediterranean.
Greece also faces concerns over Iran’s expanding missile and drone capabilities. Israel used David’s Sling during its recent conflict with Iran also gives Greece access to a system with recent combat experience.
Athens has been pursuing a broader modernization program running through 2036, with plans to spend about 28 billion euros ($32.4 million) on defense capabilities.
The modernization includes the acquisition of F-35 fighter jets, additional unmanned systems, cyber capabilities, and upgrades for older F-16s. In April, Greece purchased Elbit Systems’ PULS rocket artillery launchers as part of efforts to expand its long-range strike capabilities.
